Stroke Smart

The MSV Foundation has partnered with the Virginia Department of Health to encourage medical practices and Virginians to be Stroke Smart.

Become a Stroke Smart Medical Practice today, or share our Stroke Smart resources with your patients – at no cost to your practice.

Get Free Patient Materials Become a Stroke Smart Medical Practice

Please note: free materials are available for Virginia residents only.

Did you know?

Stroke is the 4^th leading cause of death in Virginia (behind cancer, heart disease, and accidents)
20,000 Virginians are hospitalized for stroke each year
Stroke is the #1 cause of long-term disability
Patient outcomes improve when the time between onset and treatment is minimized, but 80% of patients don’t arrive in time for treatment.
1 in 3 stroke victims first call their primary care physician, adding to delayed time sensitive treatment. Review the study here.
Read further on Stroke Smart research studies

What is a Stroke Smart Medical Practice?

A Stroke Smart Medical Practice aims to improve patient outcomes through education. By training staff and patients to identify the signs of a stroke, these practices ensure stroke victims get proper emergency care as quickly as possible.

5 Elements of a Stroke Smart Medical Practice

Beginning with a free Stroke Smart Medical Practice kit, these practices are equipped with the educational resources and tools to:

Train all office staff to spot strokes and follow practice protocol – especially those who answer the phone
Provide Stroke Smart education and resources for all patients – wallet cards, posters, magnets
Identify high-risk patients and provide targeted Stroke Smart education – including prevention, signs and symptoms, and the need to share this information with caregivers
Incorporate Stroke Smart script in voicemail system and instruct calling 9-1-1
Provide feedback on Stroke Smart effectiveness

Want to begin a Stroke Smart Medical Practice pilot in your office? Let us know here.